Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has issued a passionate call for a structured, intellectual interrogation of the “Igbo question” in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to move away from agitation toward robust, empirical debate.
The governor made the remarks at the Light House in Awka following a stage performance titled “The Tale of Two Nnamdis”. The drama, written by Tobe Osigwe and directed by Prof. Uche Nwaozuzu, was presented by students of the Theatre Arts and Film Department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), depicting the struggles of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Nnamdi Kanu.
Reflecting on the performance, Soludo praised the students for spearheading a conversation he believes has been largely absent from academic and political discourse for too long.
The governor expressed concern over the lack of structured intellectual engagement regarding the challenges facing the Igbo people and their position within the Nigerian state, commending the students for taking the lead in advancing the debate.
“I was at UNN last month—I recalled that Biafran war was literally declared there. I am glad that you people are now leading the way. That conversation must begin in a very structured manner.”
Soludo cautioned against the methods of past agitations, particularly the sit-at-home order that persisted for years, noting that such tactics often inflict harm on the same people they are intended to support.
Drawing from his personal experience, the governor recounted the trauma of the Civil War, revealing that his mother died during the conflict while his father carried a bullet in his body for 11 years after the war.
“I saw the war very clearly. I am a Pan-Africanist and a proud Nigerian. Ndị Igbo need Nigerians, Nigerians need ndị Igbo, same for the world. Our prosperity will accelerate if we take advantage of a wider space.”
He emphasised that while he respects diverse convictions, he remains a strong advocate of bargaining and civil discourse, citing the political legacy of Nnamdi Azikiwe.
“Zik helped us; he bargained in the First and Second Republics. He taught us the politics of bargaining.”
The governor challenged the Igbo people to address what he described as a paradox regarding participation in national politics, questioning the viability of seeking the presidency while expressing deep reservations about the Nigerian project.
“It is true that Ndi Igbo want the presidency, but the paradox has to be addressed. As a people, where do we stand? How can you govern a people who don’t know your stand?”
Soludo reiterated his readiness to participate in a structured and civil dialogue on the issue, expressing a desire to engage directly with diverse groups, including the faction led by Nnamdi Kanu.
He concluded by stressing the importance of tolerance for counter-narratives and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting any group that advances the discussion in a civil and intellectual manner.
“Any group that advances the conversation of the Igbo question in Nigeria will have our support. The beauty of our republican nature is that you cannot muscle your way through it—you must engage.”
David-Chyddy Eleke
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